1 Peter 1:16
What does 1 Peter 1:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 1:16 means
Peter anchors the call to holiness in Scripture: “Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.” God’s nature is the reason and model for his people’s conduct. Holiness is not a human invention but the outflow of belonging to the Holy One. By citing what is written, Peter underscores the authority and continuity of God’s moral will. The command calls believers beyond minimal compliance to likeness with God’s character. It summons a family resemblance grounded in grace, shaping life in a way fitting to those who bear God’s name in a watching world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because it has been said in the Writings, You are to be holy, for I am holy.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because it hath been written, `Become ye holy, because I am holy;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because it is written: You shall be holy, for I am holy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.
Context
Verse 16 seals the exhortation of verses 14–15 with scriptural warrant. The chapter now turns (v. 17) to another motive for holy living—reverent fear before an impartial Judge whom believers call Father. The combination of scriptural authority and filial reverence provides a strong foundation for the ethical appeals that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 11:44
For I am Jehovah your God: sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that moveth upon the earth.
- Leviticus 19:2
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy.
- Leviticus 20:7
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am Jehovah your God.
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